476th vFG recruiting helicopter pilots for our new rotary wing squadron [EU, US and SEA Timezones]

[Scaley]

For some reason there seems to be an increase in people interested in flying helicopters in DCS at the moment...  Like many of you, the members of the 476^th vFighter Group are waiting for the Apache module to be released so we can get our hands on a modern multi-crew attack helicopter for DCS.  In the 476^th we have previously operated the Ka-50 and UH-1, but we haven’t ever had a large operational helicopter squadron.  With the imminent arrival of the AH-64D we think that now is the time to stand up a new helicopter squadron.  The 7-6^th CAV vHS has been activated as a multi-airframe squadron operating the AH-64D in the attack and reconnaissance role, alongside the UH-1 for CSAR and airlift.  As a predominantly fast-jet group we feel that we have space for a number of new external helicopter pilots to join us in developing this new squadron.  

Right now there is an opportunity for people with specific knowledge of the AH-64 or extensive online helicopter flying expertise to join us in developing this new squadron.  We are looking for a small number of highly motivated people to join the current core team developing all the processes, training structure, documents and resources that a new airframe will need, and then testing and validating the training and combat procedures we design.  These people will go on to be our first cohort of pilots and instructors on the Apache. 

The 476^th is committed to operating each airframe we adopt in the most realistic and comprehensive way we can, while still making sure that this hobby remains fun for all of us and never feels like work! 

Recruiting using our normal process is already open for the UH-1, and we will open more general slots for the AH-64 once we have developed a functional training program for new pilots.

If you think you are interested in being part of building something new and hopefully special for the DCS AH-64D check out our website and then get in touch with one of our Apache core team in our discord. 

Contact:

• Scaley
• Nomad
• Roman
• Florence

Edited September 11, 2022 by Scaley

[BaD CrC]

Why "For some reason"? Don t you know that fixed wing pilots make movies, helicopter pilots make History? 

Edited December 6, 2021 by BaD CrC

[Scaley]

On 12/6/2021 at 7:51 PM, BaD CrC said:

Why "For some reason"? Don t you know that fixed wing pilots make movies, helicopter pilots make History? 

 

Absolutely! I've been a jet pilot under extreme duress waiting for an attack helicopter that wasn't the KA-50 to come out since the days of Blackshark 1!

[Scaley]

In case anyone is reading this and thinking of joining us to fly the Apache, outlined below is our propose training track for the AH-64D.  We won't have a recruiting button live on our website until the module is released, but if anyone wants to get involved prior to that then just message one of our Apache team (Scaley, Nomad, Florence, Roman) on discord or through our website.  

Initial Qualification Training – Nellis 
By the end of IQT student should be able to operate as PC on simple training sorties, and PI in the PLT seat with a CMR PC in the front seat.  
All flown as PLT with instructor in CPG seat unless noted otherwise.

IQT1 Hovering
IQT2 VFR flight
IQT3 Emergencies
IQT4 Basic formation
IQT5 Night Flight
IQT6 Unusual Conditions
IQT7 Night Formation 

Mission Qualification Training Phase 1 – Anderson
By the end of MQT phase 1 the student should be able to operate a PLT/PI in a simple combat sortie with a CMR CPG/AC, or PI/CPG with appropriate briefing and instruction. 

MQT 1 Contour/NOE
MQT 2 Tacform Day
MQT 3 Movement techniques
MQT 4 Night Sensors & Nav
MQT 5 NOE Night

Mission Qualification Training Phase 2 – Nellis
By the end of MQT phase 2 the student will be competent to operate as PI in most training scenarios, and simple combat scenarios.  They will be PC capable in simple training from their preferred seat and could fly a training sortie as a crew with another trainee of similar experience. They will be PC capable in some simple combat missions with appropriate detailed briefing and instruction.  

MQT 6 Area weapon systems
MQT 7 Precision weapon systems
MQT 8 Tacform & Movement Techniques Night
MQT 9 Attack techniques 1

 
Mission Qualification Training Phase 3 - Nellis
MQT 10 Reconnaissance
MQT 11 Attack techniques 2
MQT 12 Threat reactions & move to contact
MQT 13 Escort
MQT 14 CAS
MQT 15 SEAD & missile evasion

Edited December 19, 2021 by Scaley

[Scaley]

Just a little bump for this topic. Currently AH-64 recruiting on our website is marked as closed, but we are still interested in any experienced DCS helicopter pilots who might want to help instruct or develop material and tactics for the AH-64 and/or UH-1. 

Also worth a note that we have both US and EU time zone regular flight nights, and membership is currently split about 50:50, with a scattering of members from other locations around the world. A few people recently have got the impression we are a US based group. 

[Scaley]

Apache and Huey recruitment both currently open.